My ‘Healing’ Game
Chapter 415: Things Remain But People Change

Chapter 415: Chapter 415: Things Remain But People Change

"Han Fei, there is a promotion event today, are you interested?"

"Not interested, I won’t attend the event. I need to collect clues about a criminal tonight, I won’t have time."

As soon as Han Fei arrived on set, he was grabbed by Director Zhang’s assistant, who was also holding a very expensive suit.

"I knew you would say that," Director Zhang’s assistant said with a pained expression. "Our movie concept video has been released, and the initial promotion is coinciding with the film festival’s invitation. You are the star performer of our movie and a hot candidate for some awards at the festival, you can’t miss it!"

"Ask Brother Bai, I am still just an insignificant web-series actor, those formal actors look down on me."

"He will go with you. Moreover, the judges at the festival have already started reviewing the list, they will choose a few candidates for the big awards from among hundreds of contestants. Getting to know the judges early could greatly benefit your future," Director Zhang’s assistant pleaded earnestly. He knew Han Fei had social anxiety, but he didn’t realize it was so severe; it hardly seemed fitting for an actor.

"Han Fei, there are a lot of people in the circle who want to meet you, and you haven’t joined a film company yet, this is an opportunity," Bai Xian came over as well. They all knew about Han Fei’s severe social anxiety and his introverted personality. When Director Zhang first contacted Director Jiang to shoot "Twin Flowers", Director Jiang kept telling Director Zhang and Bai Xian to be more accommodating and take good care of Han Fei. He assured everyone that although Han Fei was somewhat reclusive, he was actually a very nice person and his acting was impeccable.

Han Fei was able to fully demonstrate his talent in "Mystery Novelist", and Director Jiang had played a crucial role, but no one had told Han Fei about this.

"Since you all insist, I will attend, but let me make it clear, I must be back home by ten o’clock tonight," Han Fei didn’t mention that he needed to go home to play video games, and everyone habitually assumed Han Fei was going to study some criminal case, so the understanding was mutual.

"Here is the attendee list, take a quick look so you don’t end up not recognizing any of the judges," Bai Xian said, like an elder brother, informing Han Fei of all the things he needed to be aware of.

Taking the list, Han Fei only glanced at it briefly, but his eyes suddenly stopped when they scanned a certain name.

"Xia Yilan? Is she also attending this event?"

"Of course, about her as an actress..." Bai Xian showed an awkward yet polite smile, "She loves to attend various events and really likes to be in the limelight, perhaps she enjoys the feeling of being the center of attention. What happened? Are you a fan of hers?"

"I just want to have a chat with her."

"Do you want a photo together? She would probably be delighted, recently you are so popular, she would definitely crave..."

"It’s related to a case."

After Han Fei said this, Bai Xian wisely chose not to continue the conversation, sensing that Han Fei was not lying.

"Alright, alright, Han Fei, hurry up and change your clothes. Director Zhang knows you typically don’t attend events, so he has specially prepared a complete set of clothes for you," Director Zhang’s assistant changed the topic, handing over the clearly very expensive suit to Han Fei, "Our promotion event is at three o’clock in the afternoon, I will notify you then."

The group entered the set together, the film had been shot already, but there were still a few live interviews to conduct.

Although Han Fei was also an actor, this was his first experience with such things, usually, he just watched from outside the area secured by security guards while holding a box-lunch.

"Mystery Novelist" was officially completed at noon, all the actors had finished shooting their parts, and the staff began to clear the site.

The actors preparing for the event walked out of the Meat Factory Courtyard for Family together with Director Zhang, everyone looking back at the old building with a bit of reluctance.

Although the shooting was not long, it left the actors with unforgettable memories.

Ghost incidents, sudden accidents, and even a criminal’s death—when do shootings ever involve so much drama?

"Is everyone here?" Director Zhang put on a rather formal outfit, he had high hopes for "Mystery Novelist" and was not usually involved in early promotion events given his status.

"Han Fei was still changing clothes in the Spider room. I’ll give him a call to hurry him up," Director Zhang’s assistant had not finished speaking when suddenly the sound of wind chimes rang out, seemingly coming from the Writer’s room.

While they were all drawn to the sound of the wind chimes upstairs, Han Fei, now dressed, stepped out of the dim corridor.

The noon sun shone on him, slipping down his suit, like a golden ocean.

His already handsome face, at that moment, shed its greenness. That special charm was indescribable, as if he was born to be the center of attention.

"Has he always been this handsome in a suit?" the female actors present couldn’t believe their eyes as they watched Han Fei, and some of the staff even took out their phones to take pictures.

Han Fei wasn’t posing or trying to look cool, he just walked forward as usual, and a natural, distinctly different coolness radiated from him.

"No wonder he dresses so casually usually. Turns out it’s because he’s confident!"

"He could succeed on good looks alone, yet he insists on relying on his acting skills."

"Wow, that’s an actor for you!"

The sunlight scattered through the branches and leaves of the plane trees, like a bright rain. Han Fei walked through this "rain curtain" to the front of the crowd, slightly frowning in discomfort, "Why are you all looking at me?"

"Nothing, nothing, everyone, please hurry to the bus," someone said.

Han Fei didn’t have his own car; he sat with the crew members as usual.

After getting on the bus, he found a corner seat. But this time was different from before; even though he sat in the corner, people’s glances kept unintentionally flitting towards him.

More than admiring Han Fei’s temperament, everyone was actually more surprised and curious.

"Is this a butterfly reborn, making a grand comeback?"

For someone with social anxiety like Han Fei, he just felt uncomfortable all over, so he pretended to sleep.

The crew’s bus finally made its way from the far outskirts to Smart New City, and after everyone had their IDs checked, they got off one by one.

The other actors attending the event all had their own fan support groups. They held up fan signs, shouting the names of the celebrities, along with well-crafted slogans.

Blindly chasing stars is not advisable, but now more fans actually see their favorite stars as friends and role models, gaining a kind of positive energy from them.

"Wow! That crew member is so handsome!"

"Is everyone in the Mystery Novelist crew’s filming team this stylish?"

"Wait, that guy looks familiar... Meng Changxi?! He is Meng Changxi!"

Han Fei didn’t open any fan groups, nor did he organize any support teams, and he was too lazy to post updates on social platforms.

There was no fan support team for Han Fei at the event site, but many passersby recognized him. They couldn’t recall Han Fei’s real name, but they knew he’d played Meng Changxi and Meng Chang’an.

With Twin Flowers becoming a huge hit, the characters Meng Changxi and Meng Chang’an played by Han Fei had also become deeply entrenched in people’s hearts.

One so good that it brought tears to your eyes, the other so evil it made you gnash your teeth.

"Meng Changxi! We’ll catch the Butterfly for you! Kill the bastard!"

"Stop calling him Meng Changxi, he’s Han Fei, the crime solver Han Fei, Xinhu Police’s insider in the entertainment industry."

"Is he an actor? I’m just curious because our police academy teachers mention him a lot lately."

Word spread quickly and more onlookers crowded around out of curiosity, drowning out the fans’ cheers, leaving some celebrities who wanted to take event photos to merely smile wryly.

Even before "Mystery Novelist" was released, Han Fei had already gained substantial popularity, something that nobody had anticipated.

"Choosing you for this role was definitely the right decision," Director Zhang grew more satisfied with Han Fei as he watched him, and both of them entered the venue of the event.

Backstage, Han Fei looked at the audience filling the seats below and couldn’t help but recall the promotional event for "Twin Flowers."

Back then, Director Jiang had used a small sub-venue, and there were hardly any people beneath the stage, with the host subtly sabotaging them.

At that time, Han Fei had no fame, and anyone could bully him. That very host didn’t take him seriously at all, believing destroying Han Fei would be an easy task.

"Han Fei, you’re the third one to go on stage, after me. Remember to breathe deeply, and yawn if you feel nervous. Here, try doing what I just said," Bai Xian was a great senior, worried about Han Fei’s social anxiety causing him to misspeak, patiently sharing his experience.

The promotional event for "Mystery Novelist" started soon after, and after the host warmed up the audience, Director Zhang and Bai Xian went on stage, followed shortly by Han Fei.

Looking at the spotlight at the center stage, Han Fei didn’t hesitate for a second; he stepped out from behind the curtains.

At the end of filming "Twin Flowers," he had said he would make it to a bigger stage, and now he had.

No one dared play dirty tricks anymore, and more and more people were shouting his name. At that moment, Han Fei felt wrapped in the warm surge of the mortal world, vividly feeling alive.

When he attended the premiere of "Twin Flowers," he wore Meng Chang’an’s costume, enduring a screen full of insults. Now, it seemed everything was different.

The host posed questions and he responded fluently, engaging delightfully with the audience on site. Although Han Fei still wasn’t quite used to places like this, he already performed much better than most young actors.

The promotional event for "Mystery Novelist" concluded at six in the afternoon. As soon as the lead concept video and promotional video were released, they instantly stirred up excitement online.

A mischief-maker rated nine actors, and unexpectedly, after the lead concept video, Han Fei’s popularity score as a supporting actor was on par with the lead, Bai Xian, leaving the other seven actors far behind.

Comments from online users were pouring in, praising Bai Xian’s perfect performance as a supporting character, truly worthy of being named the Movie Emperor, with unmatched acting skills.

The hype for "Mystery Novelist" continued to skyrocket, a spectacle completely incomparable to the previous "Twin Flowers."

With a renowned director at the helm and top actors joining, everyone had high expectations for this drama.

As the online frenzy surged too fast, even the normally composed Director Zhang began to feel restless.

If the viewers’ expectations are too high now, and if those aren’t met, the public opinion could collapse.

Of course, if this drama exceeds the audience’s expectations under these circumstances, then it will indeed be another peak in Director Zhang’s career.

After the promotional event, Director Zhang hastily left with several actors.

"Mystery Novelist" promotional event was held near the main venue of the film festival, all within the same park area of Smart City.

The film festival would officially open in a week. Today was just the preliminary selection, where the jury filtered through hundreds of actors to choose the nominees, but the final winners wouldn’t be announced until the festival day.

Although today’s activity was just a warm-up, the venue was already packed with people and swarming with media.

"I’ll go chat with a few old friends. See you at 7:30 by the entrance of Hall One."

Director Zhang left hurriedly, and the other actors went to find their acquaintances as well, while Han Fei decided to check out the buffet.

"Han Fei, let me introduce you to a few friends," Bai Xian, fearing Han Fei was feeling lonely, took the initiative.

After thinking for a moment, Han Fei nodded, "Okay, let’s find Xia Yilan. If it’s inconvenient for you, just tell me the general area."

"This..." Bai Xian, wearing a bitter smile, realized it was a perfect opportunity to expand one’s network, something many yearned for, but Han Fei seemed only interested in solving cases.

Looking at Han Fei, Bai Xian knew he was serious.

In this bustling place, where everyone was chasing fame and profit, Han Fei seemed completely out of place.

"I’ll ask a friend, and you can come with me," Bai Xian led Han Fei towards the hall, but suddenly the entrance became lively as a crowd gathered around a somewhat haggard and tired middle-aged man.

"As one of the country’s most famous comedians, why have you stopped appearing in comedic works? Are you dissatisfied with modern comedy?"

"I heard your health isn’t good and that you’ve been recuperating. Is that true?"

"Why have you decided to be a judge this time? Are you planning a comeback?"

"As a national-level comedian, who is your favorite comedy newcomer this year?"

The crowd was tight, and the middle-aged man, tired, tried to maintain a smile until he saw Han Fei following Bai Xian.

The middle-aged man almost couldn’t believe his eyes as he glimpsed Han Fei through the crowd, looking somewhat astonished yet realizing something at the same time.

"So that dream was real... I think I’ve found him."

Watching Han Fei being swallowed by the crowd, the middle-aged man smiled, "He’s much more handsome than I was at his age."

Bai Xian and Han Fei left the main venue, and under the guidance of a female actor, they found Xia Yilan taking photos for the event.

The woman was indeed stunning, showing scarcely any signs of aging, hardly looking like someone nearly forty years old.

"She’s outrageously beautiful, but her acting is awful. She can’t get many expressions right, and big-time directors in the circle dare not cast her in leading roles."

"It’s hard to tell from this distance, I’ll go talk to her."

Bai Xian wanted to stop him but it was too late, as Han Fei stepped onto the unfinished red carpet and walked slowly toward Xia Yilan.

"Isn’t he socially anxious? How can he just walk up and strike up a conversation?" Bai Xian bit his lip and followed him.